OSAC was founded in 1968 by a group of volunteers representing 8 arts councils in the province. Although the main purpose of the original arts councils was to sponsor the Festival of the Arts initiated by the Saskatchewan Arts Board, the arts councils grew in strength and remained in existence to sponsor cultural activities in their communities. At a meeting in 1968 it was determined that in order to maintain and sponsor arts activities in their communities, a provincial organization should be formed to organize and coordinate programs. The provincial organization would also act as a liaison between the community arts councils. The Saskatchewan Arts Board provided the funding necessary to establish OSAC.

In 1974, it was decided that if the arts councils were to maintain a provincial organization that it was imperative that an office with paid staff be established. Marguerite Gallaway was hired as the first Executive Director and the OSAC office opened in Estevan in April 1974.

Membership, programs and services developed in the 1970’s. The first exhibitions that OSAC toured featured the work of Estevan photographer Gordon Knight, pottery and batik by Maria Stewart (Swift Current) and paintings by Irene Eirickson (Elfros) and Yorkton’s Brenda Roberts. Some of the first performers to tour in the Stars for Saskatchewan Concert Series were: Liona Boyd, Maureen Forrester, Canadian Opera Company, National Arts Centre Orchestra, Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Jon Vickers and Salt Lake Symphonic Choir.

In 1988 the OSAC office moved to Regina where it is presently located.

In 1994, the Saskatchewan Junior Concert Society merged with OSAC. Junior Concerts, a school concert touring program, is now part of OSAC’s Performing Arts Program. Each year 4-5 performers are selected to tour to schools in Saskatchewan.

OSAC’s success is a result of dedicated volunteers who coordinate activities throughout the province. Volunteers are committed to making culture a vital part of community life. They develop and encourage local interest in the arts and ensure a solid future for culture in the province.

OSAC is thankful for the continuing annual global funding support from the Saskatchewan Arts Board and Saskatchewan Lotteries. OSAC is able to offer various programs and services with additional support from the Department of Canadian Heritage, Canada Council for the Arts, corporate sponsors and individual donations. The unifying spirit of volunteer presenters, OSAC and funders results in more than 250 performances and 100 venues hosting exhibitions each year.